MURKY Synonyms: 339 Similar and Opposite Words

murky

adjective

ˈmər-kē

Definition of murky

as in darkened

being without light or without much light I didn't like walking around the murky campground without a flashlight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dark

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer the murky shadows of the cemetery

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as in hazy

filled with or dimmed by fine particles (as of dust or water) in suspension skies made murky from the smoke of forest fires that were many miles to the west

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning a murky reply to a question about his intentions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vague

not seen or understood clearly a gubernatorial candidate with a murky position on the hot-button issue of capital punishment

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of murky The origin of the restrictions on Ukraine’s satellite communications remains murky, but the reality of the disruptions is not. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 Destructive storms like Hurricane Milton in 2024, which made landfall on Florida’s west coast at Siesta Key, can destroy traps, make the water murky and otherwise cause complications for fishermen. — Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 The evidence is murkier than the common talking point suggests. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 The visuals are too murky even to provide a nasty thrill when a pod of orcas descends on Jay’s gargantuan host. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for murky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for murky

Adjective

Around them stand darkened houses, and uncollected trash piles up on the street.

— Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 July 2026

Definition of darkened

Adjective

In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Connie Britton and Sam Nivola lead the series created by Nick Paley that blends mystery, dark comedy and the awkwardness of adolescence.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of dark

Adjective

Jones, Cullen and Locke are pleased to hear how effective the ambiguous ending to Black Church Bay is.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
That’s a question for next season, but their flirtation has been built around Sid’s ambiguous motives from the beginning.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of ambiguous

Adjective

Recent criticism The century-old restaurant guide is famous for its secrecy; its inspectors are anonymous and the company releases only vague information about their evaluation process.

— Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The plaintiffs had argued those terms were vague, and that the council selectively used them to silence prominent critics, violating their First Amendment rights.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of vague

Adjective

Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Yet missing from this bleak picture are the ways that Ukraine has already adapted to escalating attacks.

— Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of bleak

Adjective

At Emporio Armani, models walked the runway in gossamer-thin tanks and misty trousers that toed the line between lavender and blue.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Base yourself in Cerro Verde or Lago de Coatepeque for crater views and misty mornings above the clouds, then climb Santa Ana Volcano.

— Angelika Pokovba, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2026

Definition of misty

Adjective

Here’s a prime example of a more cryptic style of clue that sometimes pops up in late-week puzzles.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Kermode was curious, if not slightly annoyed about all this cryptic communication and the request for a secret rendezvous.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of cryptic

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murks

murky

murmur

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“Murky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/murky. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of murky

adjective

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